London’s Victoria & Albert Museum will surely have another blockbuster this summer. Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion opens at the end of May, and gathers over 100 garments and 20 hats by Spanish designer, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Christian Dior once said of him,

“Haute Couture is like an orchestra whose conductor is Balenciaga. We other couturiers are the musicians and we follow the direction he gives.”

In the 50s, when most designers were following the New Look, Balenciaga broke through boundaries, and experimenting with new shapes in ways. His influence is still be seen on runway today. Exhibition curator Cassie Davies-Strodder, says,

“Cristóbal Balenciaga was one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. Revered by his contemporaries, including Coco Chanel and Hubert de Givenchy, his exquisite craftsmanship, pioneering use of fabric and innovative cutting set the tone for the modernity of the late 20th century fashion.
His lasting impact on fashion will be explored through the work of those who trained with him and through recent garments by designers including Molly Goddard, Demna Gvasalia, and J.W. Anderson, who reflect the legacy of his vision today.”

The show includes the V&A’s own collection, as well as a collaboration with x-ray artist Nick Veasey that reveals the hidden genius of the designer.

Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion opens at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, on May 27, 2017 and runs through February 18, 2018.